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Home Insights Your 2025 guide to biophilia
Biophilic design is all about reconnecting people with nature in the workplace. This article explores what biophilic design is, why it matters and simple ways to bring it into your workspace.
Biophilic office design is the practice of incorporating natural elements, such as plants, natural light and organic materials, into the built environment of the workplace. The goal is to create spaces that create a connection to nature, enhancing both the physical and psychological wellbeing of employees. Biophilic design considers the use of natural finishes like wood, stone and water features, as well as maximising daylight and creating outdoor like environments indoors. By blending nature with modern office spaces, biophilic design helps employees feel more connected to the natural world, contributing to a more vibrant, harmonious work atmosphere.
Biophilic design has numerous benefits for both physical and psychological health. Research shows that biophilic elements, such as plants and exposure to natural light, can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, heart rate and improve mood. On the productivity side, incorporating nature into the workplace boosts creativity, focus and overall performance. The mere presence of biophilic features in the office has been shown to increase productivity by up to 8% and wellbeing by 13%. The integration of nature in the workplace can also create a sense of belonging, which further enhances employee engagement and satisfaction.
Incorporating materials like wood, stone, cork and bamboo can create a tactile connection to the natural world. Think timber feature walls, exposed brick, wool upholstery or even work surfaces made from reclaimed materials. These textures add warmth and depth to a space while subtly reminding employees of the outdoors, creating a more grounded and inviting atmosphere.
Daylight is a cornerstone of biophilic design. Large windows, skylights and glass partitions allow sunlight to filter deep into the office, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and boosting wellbeing. If direct sunlight is limited, use mirrors or reflective surfaces to help bounce light around the space. Light plays a huge role in regulating our circadian rhythms, so a well lit office can lead to better sleep, sharper focus and higher energy levels during the day.
Biophilic design isn’t limited to physical plants, visual cues from nature can be just as powerful. Use earthy colour palettes, such as forest greens, sky blues and warm terracotta and opt for organic patterns and nature inspired wall art. Murals of landscapes, abstract foliage designs or even digital screens showing natural scenes can all help evoke a connection to the outdoors, even in urban or high rise settings.
If possible, carve out spaces where employees can step outside - be it a terrace, rooftop garden or courtyard. Outdoor break areas encourage people to take short mental resets during the workday, which is shown to increase focus and reduce burnout. Even small scale changes, like adding seating near openable windows or incorporating operable facades, can bring fresh air and a sense of openness to an otherwise enclosed office.
The easiest and most impactful way to introduce biophilia is through the addition of plants. From potted desk plants to living green walls, greenery boosts air quality and brings a sense of calm to busy spaces.
Beyond their psychological benefits of improving mood and productivity, plants also improve air quality by filtering out toxins and increasing humidity, which is especially valuable in air-conditioned environments. Fortunately, biophilic design doesn’t require high maintenance greenery; many offices opt for low maintenance species such as snake plants, pothos or ZZ plants, all of which thrive with minimal care.
Biophilic design supports the environment by weaving natural elements into the built environment in ways that promote sustainability, energy efficiency and biodiversity.
Features like green roofs, living walls and native planting can absorb carbon in the atmosphere, cool indoor spaces organically and provide essential habitats for some wildlife. These elements help improve air quality and lower reliance on artificial lighting and cooling, reducing a building’s overall energy consumption.
By using responsibly sourced materials and showcasing visible green initiatives, biophilic design encourages a deeper connection to nature and can inspire more sustainable behaviours among those who use the space. Ultimately, it creates healthier, more climate resilient places that benefit both people and the planet.
Biophilic design is a smarter, healthier way to shape the spaces where we work. Whether you’re planning a full office redesign or simply adding more greenery, every step toward a more natural environment makes a difference.
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